Certified - CompTIA CYSA+

In this episode, we continue exploring critical glossary terms that appear on the certification and in real-world analyst work. Every term here has been selected because it appears frequently in both exam scenarios and operational environments. As an analyst, you are expected to not only recognize these terms but to understand how they function within detection, prevention, compliance, and response workflows. From authentication and metrics to network security and threat modeling, this episode adds another layer of depth to your working cybersecurity vocabulary.
M F A stands for Multifactor Authentication. This security mechanism requires users to provide two or more independent credentials to verify their identity. Common factors include something you know, like a password, something you have, like a smartphone token, and something you are, like a fingerprint. M F A is a critical component in reducing the risk of unauthorized access and is often discussed in exam scenarios involving identity management, remote access, and privilege control.
M O U refers to Memorandum of Understanding. This is a non-binding agreement between two or more parties that outlines roles, responsibilities, or expectations in a shared activity or partnership. In cybersecurity, an M O U might be used between a managed service provider and a client or between internal business units to clarify incident response coordination. On the exam, you might be asked to distinguish an M O U from more formal legal contracts or to identify its role in security planning.
M S F stands for Metasploit Framework. It is an open-source platform used for developing, testing, and executing exploit code against target systems. M S F is a valuable tool for penetration testers and red teams, offering modules for payloads, exploits, and post-exploitation techniques. While the exam does not require hands-on exploitation, you should know what M S F is, how it fits into vulnerability testing, and why it might appear in security assessments or lab environments.
M S P stands for Managed Service Provider. This is a company or vendor that provides outsourced I T services, including infrastructure management, support, and sometimes security. In cybersecurity, M S Ps may handle endpoint updates, log monitoring, or patch deployment on behalf of their clients. You may be tested on the difference between an M S P and a security-specific provider, especially in contexts that involve service level agreements or outsourced detection capabilities.
M S S P stands for Managed Security Service Provider. Unlike a general M S P, an M S S P specializes in delivering security services such as intrusion detection, incident response, and vulnerability management. These providers often operate security operations centers and offer twenty-four-seven monitoring for clients. The exam may present scenarios where you need to evaluate the benefits or risks of using an M S S P, especially for organizations without an internal security team.
M T T D stands for Mean Time to Detect. It is a key performance metric that measures the average time taken to identify a security incident from the moment it begins. A lower M T T D generally indicates a more efficient monitoring system or team. This term appears in reporting and metrics-related questions on the exam, where you may need to match metrics like M T T D with organizational goals or determine how it affects the overall response lifecycle.
N A C refers to Network Access Control. It is a security solution that enforces policies to regulate which devices can connect to a network and under what conditions. N A C systems can evaluate device health, authentication status, or compliance before granting access. On the certification, you may encounter N A C in questions related to segmentation, onboarding of new devices, or isolation of non-compliant systems.
N D A stands for Non-disclosure Agreement. This is a legal document that prohibits individuals or organizations from sharing specified confidential information. In cybersecurity, N D As are often used when engaging external vendors, security consultants, or contractors to ensure sensitive details are protected. Exam scenarios may include questions where you need to recognize the purpose of an N D A or choose the correct document for data confidentiality in a collaboration.
N G F W stands for Next-Generation Firewall. These are advanced firewalls that go beyond traditional packet filtering and incorporate features such as deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention, and application awareness. N G F Ws can enforce policies based on user identity, device type, or content, providing more granular control over traffic. Understanding how N G F Ws work and what makes them different from traditional firewalls is often tested in network architecture or threat prevention scenarios.
N I D S stands for Network-based Intrusion Detection System. This system monitors network traffic across a segment or subnet to detect signs of malicious activity. NIDS devices are placed at strategic points in the network and analyze packet headers and payloads to identify known attack signatures or behaviors. On the exam, you may need to compare a NIDS with a host-based system or interpret alerts generated by such monitoring tools.
N I P S refers to Network-based Intrusion Prevention System. Like NIDS, this system monitors network traffic for threats, but it goes further by actively blocking suspicious activity. A NIPS is positioned inline and can prevent exploits from reaching their targets. The certification may include questions about NIPS deployment, tuning, or its integration with other security controls in a layered defense strategy.
N I S T stands for National Institute of Standards and Technology. It is a U S government agency that produces guidelines and frameworks for cybersecurity, risk management, and information assurance. NIST publications such as Special Publication eight hundred fifty-three are widely used for establishing baseline controls and assessing compliance. On the exam, you should be able to recognize the role of NIST in setting security standards and supporting federal and private sector alignment.
N T P means Network Time Protocol. It is used to synchronize clocks between computer systems across a network, ensuring consistent timekeeping. Accurate timestamps are essential for log correlation, event analysis, and forensic investigations. On the exam, N T P may appear in questions about time-based access control, event reconstruction, or ensuring integrity in audit trails.
OpenVAS stands for Open Vulnerability Assessment Scanner. It is a free, open-source tool used to perform vulnerability scanning and generate risk reports. OpenVAS is frequently compared with other scanners like Nessus and is capable of identifying outdated software, configuration issues, and exposed services. You might be asked about the role of OpenVAS in vulnerability management workflows or to interpret sample scan results during the test.
O S stands for Operating System. It is the foundational software that manages hardware resources and provides common services for applications. Examples include Windows, Linux, and macOS. In cybersecurity, understanding the behavior, vulnerabilities, and architecture of different operating systems is vital. You may see O S referenced in questions about file permissions, process control, or system hardening practices.
O S I N T refers to Open-source Intelligence. This term describes the collection and analysis of publicly available information to support security decision-making. Sources include social media, blogs, government bulletins, and more. OSINT is often used in threat hunting, vulnerability discovery, and reconnaissance. The exam may ask you to differentiate OSINT from closed-source intelligence or identify valid sources used in investigations.
O S S T M M stands for Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual. It is a peer-reviewed framework that provides guidelines for performing comprehensive security tests. It covers testing processes for networks, systems, and human factors, and emphasizes measurable results. On the certification, O S S T M M may be referenced in questions about frameworks, methodologies, or choosing the appropriate approach to assess security effectiveness.
For more cyber related content and books, please check out cyber author dot me. Also, there are other podcasts on Cybersecurity and more at Bare Metal Cyber dot com.
In this second glossary episode, we explored critical acronyms and terms that build on your foundational cybersecurity vocabulary. From authentication and scanning tools to policy frameworks and threat metrics, each concept helps you better interpret questions, analyze scenarios, and understand the language of the field. Mastery of these terms will support your success throughout the exam and in the day-to-day responsibilities of cybersecurity analysis. In the next glossary episode, we’ll complete the final set of glossary terms, rounding out the vocabulary every analyst should know.